1.
defense, protection, guard
The act of defending or protecting. Used in sports (defense/guarding), military contexts, and general situations where something is being safeguarded.
守りが固いチームだ。
It's a team with a strong defense.
攻めも大事だが、守りも大切だ。
Offense is important, but defense is also crucial.
この城は守りが堅固で、何度攻められても落ちなかった。
This castle had such solid defenses that it never fell no matter how many times it was attacked.
2.
protective charm, amulet, talisman
An object believed to protect the bearer from harm or misfortune. Short for お守り.
神社で守りを買った。
I bought a protective charm at the shrine.
この守りは交通安全のお守りです。
This charm is for traffic safety.
母が旅の安全を祈って守りを持たせてくれた。
My mother gave me a charm, praying for my safe travels.
USAGE:
Sense 1 (defense) is the noun form of the verb 守る (to protect). Common in sports commentary and strategy discussions. The phrase 守りが固い (strong defense, literally "the defense is hard") is very common.
Sense 2 (charm) is often used with the polite prefix お as お守り. These are small amulets sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, each offering protection for a specific purpose (health, academic success, traffic safety, etc.).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 守りが固い: strong defense
- 守りに入る: to go on the defensive
- お守りを買う: to buy a charm
- 守りを固める: to strengthen defenses